Device for reminding an individual about the consequences of drunk driving

ABSTRACT

A technique for reminding individuals about the consequences of driving while intoxicated is provided. A container includes a material stored within the container, which has something written on it encouraging an individual not to drink and drive. The material may have a story written on it by or about someone who has experienced an accident while drinking and driving. A key ring may be connected to the container. A key for an automobile may be connected to the key ring. The container may be comprised of a first container portion and a second container portion. The first container portion may be detachable from the second container portion.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to techniques for preventing individuals from driving while intoxicated.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] There have been various efforts to prevent individuals from driving while intoxicated. For example organizations such as Mother's Against Drunk Driving (“MADD”) have made various efforts to prevent teenagers from driving while intoxicated. Various advertisers, such as companies, which sell alcoholic beverages, have provided television advertisements warning against the consequences of driving while intoxicated. However, a large number of individuals still drive while intoxicated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention in one or more embodiments provides a technique for reminding individuals about the consequences of driving while intoxicated. In at least one embodiment, an apparatus is provided comprising a container and a material stored within the container. The material has something written on it encouraging an individual not to drink and drive. The material may have a story written on it by or about someone who has experienced an accident while drinking and driving.

[0004] The apparatus may further include a key ring connected to the container. A key for an automobile may be connected to the key ring. The container may be comprised of a first container portion and a second container portion. The first container portion may be detachable from the second container portion. The material may be sealed within the container and can be retrieved from the container by detaching the first container portion from the second container portion. The container may have a cylindrical body portion. The first container portion and the second container portion can be screwed together to seal the material within the container. As an alternative to a cylindrical body, the container may be any other shape, such as for example a cube.

[0005] The present invention in one embodiment includes a method comprising placing on a material something in writing which encourages an individual not to drink and drive, and placing the material into a container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006]FIG. 1 shows an exploded perspective view of an apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0007]FIG. 2 shows an assembled perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008]FIG. 1 shows an exploded perspective view of an apparatus 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows an assembled perspective view of the apparatus 10 of FIG. 1.

[0009] The apparatus 10 includes a container 11 comprised of a first container portion 12 and a second container portion 16. The container 11 when assembled may be in the form of a capsule having a hollow chamber within the container 11 for storing a material 14. The material 14 may be a rolled up piece of paper. The apparatus 10 also includes a key ring 18 and a key 20.

[0010] The key ring 18 is looped through an opening 20 a in the key 20 and the key 20 is thereby held onto the key ring 18. The key ring 18 may have a notch 18 a, which can allow the key 20 to be removed from the key ring 18 in a manner known. The key ring 18 is also looped through a loop 16 d, which is fixed to the second container portion 16. In this manner the second container portion 16 is held onto the key ring 18. The second container portion 16 can be removed from the key ring 18 in a manner similar to removing the key 20 through the notch 18 a.

[0011] The second container portion 16 has a cylindrical body portion 16 c, a closed end 16 b, and an open-end 16 a. The first container portion 12 has a cylindrical body portion 12 d, an open-end 12 b and a closed end 12 c. The first container portion 12 also includes threads 12 a on the exterior of the cylindrical body portion 12 d near the open-end 12 b.

[0012] In operation, an end 14 a of the material 14 can be inserted into open-end 16 a of the second container 16 so that a portion of the material 14 lies inside the cylindrical body portion 16 c of the second container 16. The second container 16 is hollow within the cylindrical body portion 16 c. An end 14 b of the material 14 can then be inserted into the open-end 12 b of the first container 12 so that the material 14 lies within the combination of the first container 12 and the second container 16. The second container 16 may have interior recesses, not shown which can mesh with the threads 12 a of the first container 12 so that the second container 16 can be tightened and screwed onto the first container 12. As shown in FIG. 2, the result is the assembled container 11 with the material 14 sealed inside the hollow container 11.

[0013] The key 20 is preferably a key to an automobile. Additional keys may be provided on the key ring 18. The material 14 can be a rolled up piece of paper, which may have written thereon story written to discourage someone from drinking and driving. The story may be a true story told by or about someone who has experienced an accident caused by drinking and driving.

[0014] Although the invention has been described by reference to particular illustrative embodiments thereof, many changes and modifications of the invention may become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to include within this patent all such changes and modifications as may reasonably and properly be included within the scope of the present invention's contribution to the art. 

I claim:
 1. An apparatus comprising: a container; and a material stored within the container; and wherein the material has something written on it encouraging an individual not to drink and drive.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the material has a story written on it by or about someone who has experienced an accident while drinking and driving.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a key ring connected to the container.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3 further comprising a key for an automobile connected to the key ring.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the container is comprised of a first container portion and a second container portion; and wherein the first container portion is detachable from the second container portion; and wherein the material can be retrieved from the container by detaching the first container portion from the second container portion.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the container has a cylindrical body portion.
 7. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the first container portion and the second container portion can be screwed together.
 8. The apparatus of claim 2 further comprising a key ring connected to the container.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8 further comprising a key to an automobile connected to the key ring.
 10. A method comprising the steps of: placing on a material something in writing which encourages an individual not to drink and drive; and placing the material into a container.
 11. The method of claim 10 wherein the material has a story written on it by or about someone who has experienced an accident while drinking and driving.
 12. The method of claim 10 further comprising connecting a key ring to the container.
 13. The method of claim 10 further comprising connecting a key for an automobile to the key ring.
 14. The method of claim 10 wherein the container is comprised of a first container portion and a second container portion; and wherein the first container portion is detachable from the second container portion; and wherein the material can be retrieved from the container by detaching the first container portion from the second container portion.
 15. The method of claim 10 wherein the container has a cylindrical body portion.
 16. The method of claim 14 wherein the first container portion and the second container portion can be screwed together.
 17. The method of claim 11 further comprising a key ring connected to the container.
 18. The method of claim 17 further comprising a key for an automobile connected to the key ring. 